TWO games, one point and no shots on target from open play. Not the start Chester City expected from their return to the Football League.

And with the flak already starting to fly, caretaker manager Ray Mathias has to stay calm and attempt to restore order from the chaos left by the departure of Mark Wright on the eve of the new season.

The former Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic manager had the unenviable task of taking over at the 11th hour and select a team to meet Notts County on Saturday.

He was cleaning his teeth when City chairman Stephen Vaughan gave him the call last Friday, but his team have been toothless in the two opening games, relying on a botched penalty to provide their only goal.

On a hot day, with little or no knowledge of his players, he was justifiably happy to leave Meadow Lane with a point, even though the performance left a lot to be desired.

The 1,115 City fans who made the trip were prepared to be patient, but on Tuesday there were rumbles of discontent as Chester showed no improvement and slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home at the hands of relegated Wycombe Wanderers.

If there was a criticism of Mathias, it was his decision to play Ben Davies ahead of Paul Carden, who gave the team fresh impetus when he was sent on at Notts County.

Carden was introduced on after 55 minutes on Tuesday and again showed the battling qualities City are going to need. But it was another uninspiring performance from the team, particularly in midfield.

The step up from the Conference is proving difficult for some and it has been a barren start to the campaign for Chester's strikers Michael Branch and Daryl Clare, who have hardly had a chance worth talking about.

Splashing about in puddles on Tuesday - the match was close to being abandoned following the monsoon-like downpour - wasn't conducive to a passing game, and it was their inability to find each other which ultimately led to Wycombe taking control.

Former England and Arsenal defender Tony Adams has fashioned a workmanlike side which didn't seem to have an inferiority complex following last season's demotion, while City failed to display the confidence expected from the Conference champions. Too many close-season signings, a bit of a culture shock and, of course, the unexpected managerial upheaval conspired to make last season a distant memory.

But it's early days, certainly too soon to panic and the return tomorrow of Kevin McIntyre should give Mathias the boost he desperately needs.